At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier performance in a global supply network.
- Company: Join a global leader in high-technology medical products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, private health, and soft benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by optimising procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement or supply chain roles, preferably in medical devices.
An exciting opportunity has been created for a Procurement Lead to join a global leader in high-technology medical products. The Procurement Lead is responsible for managing day to day procurement activities and supplier performance across a global supply network, with a primary focus on suppliers and contract manufacturers in order to procure finished goods. The role will execute sourcing strategies set by the Procurement Director, optimise total cost, and ensure continuity of supply. This is a hybrid role with 3 days a week at their head office in Hemel Hempstead.
Key responsibilities of the Procurement Lead:
- Lead commercial management for a defined portfolio of suppliers and CMOs, owning pricing, terms, and contract implementation within strategies set by the Procurement Director.
- Run RFx and negotiations to secure competitive pricing and total cost of ownership against agreed budgets and savings targets.
- Analyse and challenge key cost drivers (including upstream raw materials) and propose mitigation actions where cost or availability risks emerge.
- Act as primary procurement contact for suppliers, maintaining strong relationships and alignment to service, quality, and compliance expectations.
- Review supplier performance across cost, quality, OTIF, and responsiveness, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement with cross-functional stakeholders.
- Assess supply chain risk across tier-1 and key tier-2 materials, escalating issues and supporting dual-sourcing or re-sourcing decisions where necessary.
- Support annual cost-improvement and value-creation targets for suppliers by identifying opportunities and delivering agreed initiatives.
- Work closely with Quality, Regulatory, Planning, and Commercial teams so suppliers support launches, change controls, and ongoing service requirements.
- Lead or support procurement workstreams for change controls, product transfers, cost-improvement projects, validation work, and supplier audits.
Skills & experience required of the Procurement Lead:
- Over 5 years' experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles, including direct materials or contract manufacturing in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, cosmetic or FMCG. (5+ years direct procurement experience is essential)
- Experience working with suppliers and stakeholders across different countries or regions, with proven ability to manage cross-cultural relationships and time-zone differences. (cross-cultural experience is good to have)
- Exposure to NPD, change control, or technical transfer projects, working cross-functionally with Quality, Regulatory, and R&D or Technical functions.
- Solid understanding of contract manufacturing environments, core commercial and contractual terms, and supply risk management principles. (Experience either in manufacturing environment or working with manufacturing partnerships is essential)
- CIPS or equivalent professional procurement qualification are desirable.
Package of the Procurement Lead:
- Salary £55-£60,000
- Bonus
- Pension
- Private Health
- Softer Benefits
This Procurement Lead position would suit a procurement or purchasing professional who has held roles such as Senior Buyer, Lead Buyer, Principle Buyer, Category Manager or Procurement Manager.
Procurement Lead employer: Butler Ross
Butler Ross is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the public sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Lead
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Butler Ross.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Butler Ross:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Butler Ross. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Butler Ross.
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Ross
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Butler Ross!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Butler Ross. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Butler Ross's culture.
